What paints the most vivid picture of Xan Cassavetes’ Kiss of the Damned is its readiness to take a diverse bunch of themes, actors and filmmaking styles and throw them into the pot to let them stew. The result isn’t the greatest concoction but it is different, challenging and, above all, always interesting.

If you want an idea of the mix of actors then ponder Josephine de la Baume (One Day, Johnny English Reborn), Roxane Mesquida (Gossip Girl, Rubber) and Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes’ Peter Petrelli, Gamer). As for filmmaking styles, well there’s a dash of Hammer horror, some slick 80s music-video posturings, a dinner-party talky bit Woody Allen/John Cassavetes would probably like, a dose of cinema vérite, a touch of Argento and a good few dollops of lightweight 70s porn. Plenty to keep you on your toes. Continue reading →